Rural Water District No. 5 of Okmulgee County received approval for a $99,999 Rural Economic Action Plan (REAP) grant on Tuesday through the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) to improve the District’s water infrastructure.

The District operates a public water supply system that sources water from both groundwater and the City of Henryetta. The District’s standpipe, a critical part of its water distribution system, is deteriorating and requires rehabilitation. The proposed project will involve painting and repairing the standpipe, along with necessary upgrades to all related components. This project will help support the District’s efforts to enhance the reliability and longevity of its water infrastructure.

The project is estimated to cost $99,999.00, which will be fully funded through a Rural Economic Action Plan (REAP) grant from the OWRB.

Lori Johnson, chief of the OWRB’s Financial Assistance Division, calculated that the grant will save the Authority’s customers $180,100 in principal and interest charges by not having to borrow the project funds.

“We are grateful to the State Legislators representing Okmulgee County for their continued support of water and wastewater infrastructure funding in Oklahoma,” said Julie Cunningham, OWRB Executive Director.

Since 1983, the Water Resources Board has approved over $7.8 billion in loans and grants for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements throughout Oklahoma.